Kyle Larson begins the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season as a two-time champion, following a third-place finish at Phoenix Raceway in November. As one of only three active full-time drivers with multiple Cup titles, alongside Kyle Busch and Joey Logano, Larson is positioned to chase the Daytona 500 this Sunday, aiming to add a key victory missing from his impressive record.
Larson Aims to Join Elite Company with Daytona 500 Victory
Kyle Larson already boasts 32 wins, three All-Star Race victories, and has triumphed in three of NASCAR’s four crown jewel events, securing his place among the top 10 greatest Cup Series drivers in history. Despite this, a Daytona 500 win has eluded him through 12 attempts, with his best finish in the race being seventh place.
If Larson claims victory after the 500-mile race, he would become part of a rare group of drivers who won the Daytona 500 following a Cup Series championship. This exclusive list includes NASCAR legends such as Lee Petty, Richard Petty, Cale Yarborough, Jeff Gordon, and Dale Jarrett, as highlighted by NASCAR Insights.
“Five drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history have followed up a Championship with a Daytona 500 win: pic.twitter.com/FFsT05A54n” — NASCAR Insights
Performance on Superspeedways Shows Progress
Larson’s recent performance on superspeedway and drafting circuits suggests he is closer than ever to breaking through at Daytona. In the 2025 summer race, he finished sixth, and across six drafting events that year, he secured three top-10 finishes. His 197 points earned in these races were second only to Tyler Reddick’s 199, demonstrating consistent competitiveness in this particular style of racing.
The Team Penske drivers Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, and Ryan Blaney also maintain strong reputations on superspeedways, even if recent results haven’t always reflected that strength. Additionally, several former Daytona 500 winners remain contenders, adding further depth to the field.
Field Shaping Up for a Competitive Daytona 500
With the final driver recently cleared to compete, the 45-car entry list for the 2026 Daytona 500 is set, with eight drivers vying for the last four spots in the 41-car starting grid. While those drivers face pressure to qualify, Larson looks to secure his third front-row start and his second Daytona 500 pole position this Wednesday before focusing on Sunday’s race.
Though Larson may not be the immediate favorite for many, his improved results on drafting layouts from last season suggest he could be a major factor. A possible Daytona 500 win would not only add a missing title to his résumé but also end a winless streak dating back to his Kansas Speedway victory in May.
As the season opens, Kyle Larson’s pursuit of the Daytona 500 win remains a key storyline, with the potential to elevate him alongside NASCAR’s greatest champions and further define his legacy within the sport.
Five drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history have followed up a Championship with a Daytona 500 win: pic.twitter.com/FFsT05A54n
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) February 2, 2026
